Michael Larson

Advanced materials and additive manufacturing are two emerging concepts in industrial production. While they are undoubtedly separate from one another, they are going to become increasingly intertwined in the coming years.

Industrial organisations need advanced materials to improve the performance and longevity of the solutions they produce. But scaling and logistics are still problematic.

Logistically, additive manufacturing is going to help here. Materials can be provided to the point of production ahead of time, and stored. When an order is required for a new component, 3D printing machinery uses the advanced materials to create this component in place.

But scaling the production of these materials will require consideration. AI modelling will likely play a part in this, effectively predicting the need and demand over a longer time period, and developing efficient production pathways.

Together, AI and 3D printing are spearheading the adoption of advanced materials.